Benadryl one a day relief tablets contain 10mg cetirizine and are suitable for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.

How does Benadryl one a day relief work?

Benadryl one a day relief tablets contain the active ingredient cetirizine dihydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called a non-sedating antihistamine.

Cetirizine works by preventing the actions of histamine - a substance produced by the body when it reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen or pet fur (these are known as allergens). Histamine causes a chain reaction that results in allergic symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. Cetirizine blocks histamine receptors and so stops this chain reaction.

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Cetirizine can also be used to relieve the symptoms of a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria. This is a chronic itchy rash, similar to nettle rash, but with no apparent cause. Blocking the actions of histamine relieves the itching and reduces the rash associated with this condition and other allergic skin reactions.

How do I take Benadryl one a day relief?

You can take a dose of this medicine to reduce allergy symptoms once they have started. Or you can take it in anticipation of getting allergy symptoms, for instance you can take a dose before leaving the house if you know there will be a high pollen count, or if you're visiting friends with a pet you're allergic to. You can also take it regularly every day to prevent symptoms, such as during the pollen season.

The usual dose for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over is one tablet once a day.

The tablets should be swallowed with a drink. They can be taken either with or without food, on a full of empty stomach.

What should I know before taking Benadryl one a day relief?

Although cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine, occasionally some people may find it makes them feel slightly sleepy. Make sure you know how this medicine affects you before doing potentially hazardous activities such as driving or operating machines. If you do find this medicine makes you sleepy you should avoid drinking alcohol or using other medicines that cause drowsiness with it, as this could make any sleepiness or reduced alertness worse.

If you're due to have any skin prick or patch tests to diagnose allergies you should stop taking this medicine at least three days before the tests. This is because antihistamines can prevent or lessen the skin reactions that indicate an allergy, and so can make the test results unreliable.

Who shouldn't take Benadryl one a day relief?

People who are allergic or intolerant to any ingredient of the medicine. Check the ingredients listed in the leaflet that comes with the medicine if you know you have specific allergies or intolerances.

Who should get medical advice before taking Benadryl one a day relief?

People with kidney problems. You may need a lower dose of this medicine if you have kidney problems. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Women who are pregnant. If you suffer with allergies during pregnancy you should get advice from your doctor on how to treat your symptoms, because locally acting medicines like nasal sprays are usually preferred. Cetirizine can be used if necessary, but only if the benefits outweigh any risks and only if it's prescribed by your doctor.

Women who are breastfeeding. Small amounts of cetirizine pass into breast milk, so if you're breastfeeding you should only take this medicine on the advice of your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Benadryl one a day relief?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with cetirizine. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people taking this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Uncommon side effects (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people)

Rare side effects (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people)

Aggression.

Confusion.

Depression.

Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).

Convulsions.

Fluid retention (oedema).

Weight gain.

Fast heartbeat.

Abnormal liver function.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Benadryl one a day relief. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

Can I take Benadryl one a day relief with other medicines?

Antihistamines may oppose the effect of histamine (used to treat leukaemia) and are not recommended for people having this treatment. Antihistamines may also oppose the effect of betahistine (used to treat Ménière's disease) so this medicine is probably best avoided if you're taking betahistine.

Other than these, cetirizine is not known to affect other medicines. However, if you are already taking any other medicines it's always best to check with your pharmacist before taking cetirizine as well, to make sure the combination is safe and appropriate.

It's fine to take cetirizine in combination with other types of medicine for hay fever, for example nasal sprays or eye drops.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.